Apparatus for determining the unit value of a line of type characters

ABSTRACT

Apparatus useful for determining the proper point size of type to set for a given copy which must fit within a given line length. A perforated endless belt or screen is operatively trained about a pair of end rolls within a boxlike housing. One run of the belt passes beneath an opening in the top or cover plate of the housing, which opening extends for substantially the entire transverse width of the belt. A card having a series of parallel slots is adapted to be received within a card locating means on the cover plate with the slots of the card encompassed within the boundaries of the opening. Each slot extends longitudinally of the adjacent run of the belt and is of a length proportional to the width of a character or letter of type. Different cards are provided for different type styles. With the card in position on the housing, a stylus is inserted through a slot in the card and engaged with the perforated belt or screen. The belt is then manually advanced by the stylus for a distance corresponding to the full length of the slot. By successively inserting the stylus through a plurality of slots to advance the belt corresponding to the letters or characters of the given copy, the belt is moved a total distance representative of a total &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;unit value&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; for the copy. This distance of advancement is indicated by a counter operatively coupled to one of the belt end rolls. The &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;unit value&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; thus obtained is then divided into a number representative of the given or required line length to obtain a number called the &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;set width factor.&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; The &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;set width factor&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; thus obtained is then applied to a chart which indicates the particular point size of type required to fill the given line length with the given copy.

United States Patent [1 1 Brown APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE UNIT VALUEOF A LINE OF TYPE CHARACTERS [76] Inventor: Willard D.,Brown, 324S.Salem,

' Aurora, Colo. 80012 22 Filed; June a, 1973 21' Appl. N 368,171

[52] US. Cl 235/80, 235/71 R, 235/125 [51] Int. Cl G06c 27/00 [58] Fieldof Search 235/35, 74, 80, 86,

6/1908 Burtis..'... 7/1968 Adler 235/71 R Primary ExaminerLawrence R.Franklin AttorneyRalph F. Crandell [57 ABSTRACT Apparatus useful fordetermining the proper point size of type to set for a given copy whichmust fit within a given line length. A perforated endless belt or screenis operatively trained about a pair of end rolls within a boxlikehousing. One run of the belt passes beneath an Jan. 15, 1974 opening inthe top or cover plate of the housing, which opening extends forsubstantially the entire transverse width of the belt. A card having aseries of parallel slots is adapted to be received within a cardlocating means on the cover plate with the slots of the card encompassedwithin the boundaries of the opening. Each slot extends longitudinallyof the adjacent run of the belt and is of a length proportional to thewidth of a character or letter of type. Different cards are provided fordifferent type styles. With the card in position on the housing, astylus is inserted through a slot in the card and engaged with theperforated belt or screen. The belt is then manually advanced by thestylus for a distance corresponding to the full length of the slot. Bysuccessively inserting the stylus through a plurality of slots toadvance the belt corresponding to the letters or characters of .thegiven copy, the belt is moved a total distance representative of a totalunit value for the copy. This distance of advancement is indicated by acounter operatively coupled to one of the belt end rolls. Y

, The unit value thus obtained is then divided into a numberrepresentative of the given or required line length to obtain a numbercalled the set width factor. The set width factor" thus obtained is thenapplied to a chart which indicates the particular point size of typerequired to fill the given line length with the given copy. 1

5 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJMJ w sum 1 or 2 XXXXXX FIG. 3.

APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE UNIT VALUE OF A LINE OF TYY PE CHARACTERS"BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The presentinvention is specificallydevised to obtain a rapid, accurate and easily acquired solution to theproblem of determining the proper point size of type necessary to fit agiven name, message or other copy in a particular type style within agiven line length. This particular problem is frequently encountered insetting up letterheads, business cards, advertising copy, labels, etc.For a given style of type, the proportionality between the height andwidth of a given letter remains constant regardless of the size ofpoint" of the type. However, for a given point size of type, the widthor line length required for each character or letter varies. The letteri is generally representative of a character of minimum width, while theletter m represents a character of maximum width. For a given point sizeand style of type, capital letters will normally have a greater widththan the corresponding lowercaseletter. Thus, in determining the lengthof'line required for a given phrase in a particular style and point sizeof type, it is not possible to merely count the number of characters andspaces and multiply this figure by a width factor. Instead, each letteror character of the particular font has a unit value (of width) assignedto it and the line length must be determined by first adding the unitvalues of the required characters, and then multiplying this by aconversion factor dependent upon the point size.

Conventionally, this task is performed by laying out the copy, referringto a table of unit values for each of the characters and then adding allof the individual character unit values to obtain a total unit value forthe given copy. Where the given copy must fit in a given line length,the total unit value thus obtained is divided into a numberrepresentative of the given line length to obtain what is known as a setwidth factor. With the set width factor in hand, a second table is thenentered to find the point size of the particular type font whichcorresponds most closely to the calculated set width factor.

Calculation of the total unit value by summing the individual unitvalues, each'of which is obtained by reference toa table, is frequentlya tedious operation which is highly susceptible to error. The presentinvention is directed to an apparatus which enables this operation to beperformed rapidly and accurately.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is of relatively simpleconstruction and includes a box-like housing within which an endlessperforate belt or screen is operatively trained about a pair of spacedparallel end rolls. The rolls are mountedwithin the housingso that onerun'of the belt lies immediatelybeneath the top or cover plate of thehousing and a generally rectangular opening through the cover plateextends tranversely across substantially the entire width of thisrun ofthe belt. Preferably, a backingplate underlies the upper run of the beltin opposition tothe opening. Pins projecting radially from the end rollspierce the belt to prevent slippage between the belt. and rolls. One ofthe two rolls is operatively coupled to a counter.

A rectangular card having dimensions exceeding that of the opening ofthe cover plate is formed with a series of parallel slots arranged onthe card to be encompassed within the boundaries of the opening when thecard is seated in a card locating device on the cover plate. Each of theslots corresponds to a given letter or character of a particular typestyle and the length of each slot is proportional to the unit value ofits assigned character.

With the card positioned in the card locator, a stylus is insertedthrough the card at one end of a selected slot and the stylus tip isengaged within a perforation of the belt or screen. The stylus is thenmanually advanced for the full length of the slot to correspondinglyadvance the belt and hence rotate the roller which is coupled to thecounter. The slot lengths and counter are calibrated to each other sothat the counter maintains a count of total unit value as the stylus ismanipulated in the foregoing manner successively through the variouscharacters of the copy. The counter is provided with a re-set mechanismoperated after the total unit value has been determined and transcribed.

The apparatus employs a set of cards, each card corresponding to a giventype style or font so that the total unit value of the desired copy canbe rapidly determined for any selected type style represented by aslotted card.

Determination of the point size for a given line length is thendetermined by dividing the given line length by the total unit valueindicated on the counter to determine the set width factor and, from theset width factor, the point size of type is determined from a tablewhich may be conveniently printed directly on the slotted card.

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent byreference to the following specifications and the drawings.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view showing an apparatus embodyingthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken online 2-2 of FIG; 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, partially broken away, taken on line3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

Referring now to the drawings, apparatus embodying the present inventionincludes a base plate 10 and a cover member designated generally 12mounted on base plate 10 to define with the base plate a hollow box-likehousing. A pair of angle members 14 are fixedly secured to base plate 10in parallel-spaced relationship to rotatably support a pair of end rolls16 and l8for rotation about spaced parallel axes. As best seen in FIG.4, end roll 16 is supported by angle members 14 for rotation about afixed axis defined by a stub shaft 20 at each end of roll 16 which isrotatably received in a bore 22 in each of angle members 14. The stubshafts 24 for end roll 18 (see FIG. 4) project through an enlargedopening 26 in angle members 14 and are rotatably received in a plate 28having an elongate slot 30 which can be clamped in selected positions ofadjustment relative to angle members 14 as by screws 32 to regulate thetension in an endless belt 34 which is operatively trained about endrolls l6 and 18.

Belt 34 is preferably formed from a flexible screen or wire mesh orotherwise provided with perforations. Radially projecting pins 36mounted on each of end rolls l6 and 18 project through the perforationsin belt 34 to lock the belt against slippage relative to end rolls 16and 18. A flat backing plate 38 (FIGS. 2 & 3) is mounted upon andextends between angular members 14 in underlying relationship to theupper run of endless belt 34.

A counter 40 of known construction is mounted upon base plate and isdrivingly coupled via a belt and pulley coupling to shaft of end roll 16so that counter 40 is actuated by rotation of end roll 16. Counter 40includes a reset button 44 which may be employed to reset the counter tozero.

The top or cover plate 46 of cover member 12 is formed with arectangular opening 48 which, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, issubstantially coextensive with back up plate 38. A reversely bentframing lip 50 is mounted upon cover plate 46 to extend around threesides of opening 48 to form a card locating slot adapted to receive andposition one of a series of type unit value cards 52 upon cover plate 46in overlying relationship with opening 48.

Cards 52 are each formed with a series of parallel slots 54, each slot54 having a length which is proportional to the unit value of a specificletter or character of a particular type style. An individual card 52 isprovided for each type style.

Operation of the apparatus is as follows:

As an example, it will be assumed that it is desired to determine thepoint size of type for a particular type style which will be required toset the words United States Patent Office" within a line length of 2%inches. To make this determination, a card 52 corresponding to thedesired type style is positioned within the locating means 50 as shownin FIG. 1 and reset button 44 is depressed to set the counter to zero.

The operator then inserts the point of a stylus S into the slot of card52 corresponding to the letter U so that the stylus is positioned at theuppermost end of this slot as viewed in FIG. 1, and then lowers orpoints the stylus vertically until the stylus tip passes through aperforation in belt 34 and engages the upper surface of backing plate38. The operator then draws the stylus along the full length of theslot, thus advancing belt 34 and causing end roll 16 to rotate toadvance the counter. When the stylus reaches the bottom of the slot, itis withdrawn, and the process is repeated by successively inserting thestylus in the slots 54 of the card which correspond to the remainingletters and spaces of the desired phrase.

The lengths of the individual slots 54 and the drive coupling the belt34 to counter 40 are calibrated with each other so that the countergives a reading in the form of a number representative of the sums ofthe unit values of the characters. Thus, when all of the individualcharacters and spacings in the phrase United States Patent Office havebeen set into the device in the foregoing manner, the counter reading isin the form of a number, for example 308, which is called the total unitvalue, for this particular phrase in the selected style of type. Thedesired line length, is usually in this process expressed in terms ofpicas, for example 2% inches being equal to 14 picas, and the linelength then divided by the total unit value as read from counter 40 toobtain a second number (0.0455) which is called the set width factor."The point size of this particular style of type which will fit withinthe selected line length is ,thenldetermined by reference to a table ofset width factors versus point size.

While one embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art that the describedembodiment may be modified. Therefore, the foregoing description is tobe considered exemplary rather than limiting, and the true scope of theinvention is that defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for calculating the unit value of a line of type characterscomprising a frame, a pair of end rolls mounted in said frame forrotation about parallel axes, a perforate endless belt operativelytrained about said end rolls, a card having a plurality of spacedparallel stylus receiving slots therethrough, each of said slots havinga length corresponding to the unit length of a given character of aparticular type font, card locating means on said frame for positioningsaid card in overlying relationship to one run of said belt with saidslots extending perpendicular to the axes of said rollers, said beltbeing manually movable to rotate said rollers by means of a stylusinserted through a slot in said card and engaged in a perforation insaid belt, and a counter operatively coupled to one of said rollers forindicating a unit value number representative of the distance the beltis manually advanced.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising a cover plate onsaid frame overlying said one run of said belt in spaced parallelrelationship thereto, said cover plate having a generally rectangularopening therethrough extending substantially entirely across said beltin a direction parallel to the roller axes, said slots in said cardbeing located to overlie said opening when said card is positioned insaid card locating means.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 further comprising a back up plate onsaid frame underlying said one run of said belt in opposed relationshipto said opening.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said card locating meanscomprises means mounted on said cover plate defining a card edgereceiving slot extending along three sides of said opening.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising a plurality ofradially projecting pins mounted on each of said rollers adapted topierce said belt to lock said belt against slippage relative to saidrollers.

1. Apparatus for calculating the unit value of a line of type characterscomprising a frame, a pair of end rolls mounted in said frame forrotation about parallel axes, a perforate endless belt operativelytrained about said end rolls, a card having a plurality of spacedparallel stylus receiving slots therethrough, each of said slots havinga length corresponding to the unit length of a given character of aparticular type font, card locating means on said frame for positioningsaid card in overlying relationship to one run of said belt with saidslots extending perpendicular to the axes of said rollers, said beltbeing manually movable to rotate said rollers by means of a stylusinserted through a slot in said card and engaged in a perforation insaid belt, and a counter operatively coupled to one of said rollers forindicating a unit value number representative of the distance the beltis manually advanced.
 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 furthercomprising a cover plate on said frame overlying said one run of saidbelt in spaced parallel relationship thereto, said cover plate having agenerally rectangular opening therethrough extending substantiallyentirely across said belt in a direction parallel to the roller axes,said slots in said card being located to overlie said opening when saidcard is positioned in said card locating means.
 3. Apparatus as definedin claim 2 further comprising a back up plate on said frame underlyingsaid one run of said belt in opposed relationship to said opening. 4.Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said card locating meanscomprises means mounted on said cover plate defining a card edgereceiving slot extending along three sides of said opening.
 5. Apparatusas defined in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of radiallyprojecting pins mounted on each of said rollers adapted to pierce saidbelt to lock said belt against slippage relative to said rollers.